Dear Olly,

Making my way through the marshy plains is harder than I expected. But now I found a friendly ferryman who will take me down to the city in the plain’s delta, his name is Olefas. The snow is already falling here and while the lakes and rivers remain mostly ice-free, Olefas said that soon, the waterways will be blocked by the winter. Even just wet feet in this climate could cost me a toe or two. I am glad I have my fur now, although it is getting awfully frowsty. I liked it when I had you to brush me every day.

After I arrive in the city – which Olefas told me was named Myrskattnholm – I'll try to find a ship to Ackarom or even just a way to send a letter.

But the real reason why I write this letter today, is to tell you everything. I hope to send these letters in the city, but if I can’t I hope I can still tell you some day.

I have kept a secret from you, namely, that I am an abomination,a blood pactitioner. Roughly half a year ago, I engaged in a blood pact with the spirit now known as Ssil. She is part of my subconscious mind, but has a will of her own. She will always be bound to my body and mind. She used to be a goddess of justice and execution, now I am her high priestess. This is also the reason why I am on this journey. To prove to the Lodge of Sturreland that I am no monster. I do not know whether I will be judged worthy. In fact, I may be put to death, never have I feared this outcome more than when Ii was With you. I will make sure to hand these letters over to good hands before that happens, so they will be delivered to you.

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I am abnormal not just because of the growth serum my teachers have given me, but because my body is also the host to a serpent that seeks to inflict pain and death onto those that chose to become criminals.

I am also not being trained to become a regular witch. My teacher and liberator is a Hidden Hand, a hired blade for dealing with rogue mages and druids and so on. I am being trained to spy, investigate and kill.

These lies cause me a great deal of shame and regret with every person I talk to, and in the future, I will have to keep even more secrets from even more people. Lie and secret will be as much part of my life as needle and threat of a seamstress'. But not to you. I chose you as the person I do not want to hide from. You shall be worthy all my honesty.

I hope you will not hate me for keeping this all a secret so far. I hope you can still find a place for me in your heart.

I miss you.

In love,

Nannade.